We woke up to a cold morning. After breakfast, I started my walk by myself. No doubt, I usually do walk alone on the camino path as Marybel walks ahead of me most of the time. This time is different as I head out alone.

Like a mom sending a child off to school, Marybel made sure that I had everything with me including a good breakfast…lol. Then she walked back to the Albergue to await the taxi and I set off on the camino path.

It is a cold day. The gloves came out. My intention to say the rosary was quickly set aside. I have to confess that good intentions are just that. Sometimes, the intentions become reality and other times, circumstances changes them. There is also the hard part of keeping balance on slippery rocks or holding onto the rosary to complete your prayers. Keeping balance wins out.

It is only 15 kms today to Ventas De Naron. It felt like 25 – 30kms. Climbing some steep inclines while being cold is quite an experience. “How much more hill is there?” Or “oh no, more sludge and mud” These were my mantras for the day. I am glad Marybel is not doing this trek. My heels are beginning to hurt with the rough terrain. I now know how she feels. OUCH,OUCH and more OUCH.

I stopped for coffee in the town of Gonzar. Taking out the guidebook, I see that I have slightly more than 5kms to go. When the terrain is flat, I can do 4-5kms in an hour. Not today as the terrain is rough and all concentration is needed to avoid slipping. Slow and steady I go!

I reached the town of Ventas at around 2:30pm just in time for lunch. Marybel was waiting for me. She also said that she had seen our famous Japanese Family, the Morimotos walk past the albergue. I did not get to see them at all.

Marybel was glad that she did not have to eat lunch alone. She said that she was not looking forward to a big serving of spaghetti all to herself. Glad we were able to share our pilgrims menu of pan fried meat, fries, spaghetti, flan, wine and bread.

Compostela De Santiago is getting closer this day. Being human, I am starting to wish we reach sooner so that I get my certificate and leave. There is a rhythym on the Camino that is starting to cycle over and over again. The mind is getting bored perhaps. Though we meet new faces every day, see new sights and taste new foods, I am starting to experience fatigue of the mind where I am not getting excited by the new experiences. Or perhaps, I am concerned that my Best Friend is getting hurt like an invalid and I am helpless to help her. Well, something is amiss. I cannot put my finger on it. Maybe it is just the weather conditions….damp, cold and blaahhhh all throughout.

Anyways, I am hoping that this mindset will change for tommorrow.

Peace and love,
Hilda 🙂